Tenant/LL rights in the lease? (apartments, rental, security deposit, house)

[5FLgirls]

After our last less than positive renting experience, we have decided to lease again. We went with a realtor and found a home. As we are negotiating the lease, we requested the following riders be placed on it: (1) if the LL should receive a lis pends notification, tenant reserves the right to terminate lease or pay a reduced rent. and (2) option to a second year at the same price. Both realtors had no issues putting this on the lease but when the documents arrived, it was missing and some extra things were on it, including a difference of $2k additional security deposit not discussed. We want to renegotiate and add this rider. Our realtor is frustrated with us and feels we're being too difficult. After having a trying experience last time, is it abnormal to feel the extra need to protect ourselves as a tenant? The realtor is complaining that selling a house is easier than leasing it. How is that my problem?? The LL is whining over $5k carpet in her family room. Isn't that the wear and tear risk she takes when she rents her home? My security deposit more than pays for new carpet. Doesn't the tenant have just as much right to protect themselves as the LL or is it a landlord world?

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by 5FLgirls

Doesn't the tenant have just as much right to protect themselves as the LL or is it a landlord world?

Absolutely... just as the Landlord can ask for an outrageous rent and you have the option to look elsewhere, you also have the option to ask for specific lease provisions subject to the owner's acceptance.

Just about everything is negotiable, except for applicable Federal, State and Local laws.

I can see your side after having lived the nightmare... I just don't think you will have much luck deviating from a standard form lease in today's tight rental market.

Remember, don't sign anything unless you understand and agree with it...

[ShaneSA]

I'm am a landlord, and I manage my own properties. I would allow the lease rider. I don't see a problem with either clause. I also would not put carpet that is THAT expensive in a rent house. I have some apartments or houses with carpet, and it's nice, but not the best. It sounds like the owners are being more difficult for the realtor, not you. if you can't get what you want look elsewhere. The rental market is not that tight. there are rentals out there and remember, it's not something your buying and will have to keep. You need to be happy in it and the LL needs to be comfortable with the tenants. Win Win is the best way to go.